While the Toronto Raptors should be heralded for their ability to overcome the doubters and position themselves as a viable postseason team, there are some cracks in the armor. The most noteworthy hole that opponents can exploit is a relative lack of depth.
Toronto’s bench remains one of the worst in the league, and injuries to star players have only exacerbated that need. While names like OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet should be good to go by the time the playoffs come around, the Raptors can’t keep leaning on their stars if they want to pull off an upset.
While Toronto has seen some individually excellent performances from some bench players, they have very rarely watched all of their role players come together at the same time. As good as VanVleet and Pascal Siakam are, they won’t upset one of the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference without substantial support.
These four Raptors players are going to be under a microscope in the coming weeks, as some poor performances could end up being extremely detrimental to Toronto’s playoff hopes. If these four can all peak at the same time, Toronto has as good a chance as any low seed when it comes to pulling off an upset.
4. Khem Birch
Birch was playing so poorly when the second half started that he would go multiple consecutive games without scoring points. While he’s not necessarily dominating, Nick Nurse can take solace in the fact that the rebounding and defense Birch was signed for is starting to show up
Birch has recorded at least three offensive rebounds in five of his last six games, including three games with at least five. Toronto went 4-2 in that span, as he’s pitched in to replace the physicality that Anunoby provides on the interior. Now he’s playing like a $6.3 million player.
Khem Birch needs to bolster the Toronto Raptors’ depth.
The Raptors will get Anunoby back soon, and the emergence of Precious Achiuwa in the second half has helped make up for Birch’s inconsistent box score stats. Still, with big men like Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetkounmpo potentially coming up on the schedule in the postseason, Toronto needs Birch to play his part expertly.
The Raptors don’t need Birch to be Hakeem Olajuwon. What they do need is rock-solid offensive rebounding, passable defense in the paint, and occasionally finishing a couple of 10-footers. He’s been getting more consistent at checking those boxes in the last few weeks, which is encouraging.
3. Armoni Brooks
Even when Malachi Flynn returns from his injury, Brooks has played well enough to the point where he should be given some valuable minutes if re-signed. On a team that lacks elite 3-point shooting, Brooks has an itchy trigger finger and the ability to handle the ball on offense.
Don’t read into Brooks making 28% of his 3-pointers. He started slow and often doesn’t play enough to get into a groove. While Toronto should hold his shooting in high regard, Brooks has played so well on the defensive end that he could carve out a role for himself when everyone gets healthy.
Armoni Brooks is playing well for the Toronto Raptors.
Brooks has picked up a handful of steals, as his 6-9 wingspan fits right in with what Toronto wants from their perimeter players. His hustle has been admirable and his ability to pick up a very complex defensive scheme in a very short amount of time has been worthy of praise.
The Raptors thought so highly of Brooks that they parted with a very impressive big man in DJ Wilson to sign him. While Toronto will likely use their top draft pick on adding a bench player in the backcourt, Brooks has been a more than capable short-term fix.
2. Thad Young
In terms of providing the veteran savvy, defensive instincts, and leadership that a very young team lacked for large chunks of the season, Young has been everything Toronto could’ve asked for. If one could poke holes at any part of his Raptors tenure, it’s the fact that his scoring has been just a bit below average.
Young is averaging just 5.5 points per game on 44% shooting. March 1 was the last time that Young hit double figures. Playing alongside Achiuwa and Chris Boucher for large stretches might make Young seem like an awkward fit, but he could stand to be a bit more aggressive on offense.
Thad Young could change the Toronto Raptors’ bench production.
Since Goran Dragic was giving the team nothing, Young has by default been a substantial upgrade. Losing a first-round pick for the impending free agent might sound tough, but he could erase those doubts by scoring just a notch above what he’s been doing so far in Raptors colors.
While Siakam and VanVleet have championship experience, having Young as a sounding board will be vital for a team that is entrusting three players 25 or younger to start. By pitching in a few more midrange jumpers and corner 3-balls, Young could lead by example as an ace Sixth Man off the bench.
1. Gary Trent Jr.
Trent might be starting and given a huge diet of shots every game, but he’s not been himself since the All-Star Break. For every dominant showing where he puts up 42 points against a contender like Phoenix, there’s been a night where he makes two shots and scores eight points immediately after.
Trent is shooting just 33% from the field and 29.5% from 3-point range since the All-Star break. Keep in mind that those numbers include a 42-point game and three other outings of at least 23 points. Trent has always been a bit streaky, but this is a concerning valley at an inopportune time.
Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. needs to rediscover his shot.
Trent has five straight 30-point games earlier in the season, which is a testament to his ability to get hot quickly. As long as he possesses that microwave ability, Toronto is going to put the ball in his hands when they need a triple. It’s just on him to make sure he covers his chances.
Trent is still a solid defender that ranks third in the league in steals per game. His finishing is also much better than it was during his first year with Toronto. Trent will eventually find his 3-point shot once again, but the Raptors must hope he discovers it before the postseason rolls back around.